A precaution against dealers "free inspection"

[wolf02]

I recently had a "free inspection" done at my local dealership.

The guy who looked at my car sounded fairly knowledgeable and a genuinely nice guy...... However.......

The report that was given to me when I left highlighted a few issues.
One I have spoken about in my tyre trauma post, where i was advised incorrectly about tyre sizes (we will see what outcome that has).

Another bigger concern is that they said that my car "smelled like the clutch was burning" when they drove it onto the ramps.
I commented that this was interesting and asked them to elaborate, he then said well the cars done about 80k miles and we noticed a smell of burning clutch.
Hmmmmm, ok...., he asked if the clutch had been slipping, any problems etc, I said no problem, he warned it can just "GO" without warning.

At this point I pointed out to him that if the clutch is indeed a problem it will be back in with them next week for a full replacement etc at it was replaced by them about a year ago!
(full clutch, flywheel etc) 3k worth of repairs!

At this point there was a sudden U turn on what the cause may have been, and a massive downgrading of the severity of the problem.

I AM going to get the clutch independently checked to ensure its all fine BEFORE it is outside of its guarantee, but It should be a word of warning to others about a "free inspection" !!!
The guy doing the review appeared genuine but i wonder if there is pressure on him to "suggest" standard issues based on mileage (especially when the sales man after suggested an extended service and guarantee plan!!!)

Seriously, you cant trust anyone these days!

[gottanS]

Standard behaviour. I never take anything they say on trust, always get them to show you the problem i.e. get it on a ramp and show me. On a previous A4 was told the steering track rod ends were worn and they qouted £250 to change them, took it a local garage who changed them for £80 inc. parts but keep the old ones for inspection. apart from the damage getting them off they were fine and no where near worn out.

At least the lesson only cost £80 but now I know they are un-trustworthy and treat accordingly.

[bigrichw]

Got to say, mine went in for the coilpack recall, and free health check - everything ok... Bit of a coincidence that my headlight range is now not working -